Charles McCoy (1872-1940)

McCoy got the nickname "Kid" when he began prizefighting as a teenager. He went on to become a popular boxer, taking matches around the world for nearly 25 years. McCoy's "corkscrew" punch was famous for the cutting damage it inflicted on opponent's faces, and he was known for his trickery and unpredictability in the ring. He is often credited with being the inspiration for the popular phrase "The Real McCoy," though the true origins of that phrase are unclear. After retiring McCoy spent eight years in San Quentin penitentiary for killing a lover. He committed suicide in 1940. This is a cabinet card by J. Wood of 208 Bowery in New York City.